Page 65 of Shuttered Hearts

The courtroom door opens as people file out, Ava in the middle of them.

“Okay, let’s go. They just called our case.”

I start to follow behind Caleb and Emily when I feel Quinn tug on my arm, pulling me back to her. When I see the anxiety clear across her face, I immediately step in front of her, taking both her hands in mine and blocking her view of everything around us.

“Your dad would understand if you need to wait out here. He wouldn’t want you stressing out about this.”

“I know you’re right,” she says quietly. “But I need to do this. For myself.” She takes a deep breath. “I need a second.”

“Okay.” I don’t move from blocking her view, but I bring her hands up to my chest, letting her feel my steady heartbeat and breathing.

It only takes her a moment to gather herself. I can see the emotional walls she’s building around herself to get her through this next part. I’d be worried about whether those walls will come back down if it weren’t for the quick kiss she presses to my lips before stepping around me to follow her family into the courtroom.

thirty-one

QUINN

I’m not entirelysure how I’ve managed to zone out through this entire thing, but I have. I’ve been so lost in my head I’ve missed everything Ava and the other lawyer have been saying. It’s almost like there’s a buzzing in my ear, or things are muffled as if I’m underwater.

My gaze shifts to Ava, standing as she speaks to the judge. She looks so calm and put together that I’m a little jealous of her, and although I have no idea what is going on, I know Ava is doing an amazing job. Ava told me about some of the cases she fought and won back in Boston, and this one has got to be easy in comparison.

Or maybe it’s not, and it’s the most nerve-wracking thing she’s ever done.

Those cases back in Boston were for strangers. I’m sure she still did everything she could for them, but it’s got to be different fighting a case as personal as this one. She’s known my dad and the rest of my family just as long as Declan has—she’s as mucha part of our family as he is. It must be terrifying to think about losing this case.

Not that I think she will. I know Ava’s got this.

My eyes move back over to my mother. Ava must be saying something right because if looks could kill, my mother would have killed her just now.

I feel the warmth of Declan’s hand on my leg, and when my eyes shift to him, everything comes rushing back into focus.

“Your Honor, based on the evidence we’ve provided, we feel it is only right Max’s custody arrangements remain the same. Mr. Marks has done nothing to warrant the removal of Max from his home?—”

“He’s dying! How can that be good for Max?!” my mother shouts.

“Your Honor!” Ava calls.

“Order! Counselor, get a hold of your client,” the judge warns.

Mom’s lawyer leans toward her, placing his hand on her leg and whispering something in her ear before turning back to the judge. “Sorry, Your Honor. It won’t happen again.”

“Ms. Day, you may proceed.”

“Mr. Marks has always been present in Max’s life. There is no evidence to show Mr. Marks as an unfit parent. What kind of precedent will it set to remove Max from his custody simply because his biological mother, who abandoned him when he was two, wants to be back in his life?” Ava pauses, taking a breath. “That’s all, Your Honor.”

“All right. I’ve heard from both sides?—”

“Your Honor—” Mom’s lawyer tries to interrupt.

“Mr. Henry, you had your chance.” The judge stops him, speaking sternly. “This isn’t a trial where you need to defend your client. This is a preliminary hearing to determine nextsteps. Which is what I am about to go over with you.” He pauses as if to ensure he won’t be interrupted again.

Looking at Ava and Mr. Henry, the judge states, “I will be ordering the two of you to mediation. If an agreement has not been reached after two months, we will schedule a hearing where I will make a decision.” The judge turns to look at Dad.

“Mr. Marks, I do not envy your position, and while I’m sure you have prepared as much as possible for the future, I ask you to seriously consider what is in your son's best interest.” The judge turns to Mom. “Mrs. Williams, I know people change, and I hope you have. But I urge you to think about how the courts will view your absence from your son’s life for the past ten years. Think hard about what you are asking of this court, and more importantly, your son. Know that all of this will influence any decision made.” The judge looks down and shuffles some papers around in front of him before looking back up at both lawyers.

“Thank you for your time today. Court is adjourned.”

“All rise,” the bailiff calls.

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